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Cost of oil change

I was going to change the oil on our new Cooper S at around 1000-1500 miles.
So I called the dealers parts dept. ...........$15 oil filter and 5 qts. of mini oil at $7.45 each plus a drain gasket?So thats $52.25 plus gasket? and about $5 for tax.So it would cost me at least $60.
So I called the service dept. and they want $68.95.For the little in price,I'm going to have the dealer do it.

I was going to change the oil on our new Cooper S at around 1000-1500 miles.
So I called the dealers parts dept. ...........$15 oil filter and 5 qts. of mini oil at $7.45 each plus a drain gasket?So thats $52.25 plus gasket? and about $5 for tax.So it would cost me at least $60.
So I called the service dept. and they want $68.95.For the little in price,I'm going to have the dealer do it.

I was going to change the oil on our new Cooper S at around 1000-1500 miles.
So I called the dealers parts dept. ...........$15 oil filter and 5 qts. of mini oil at $7.45 each plus a drain gasket?So thats $52.25 plus gasket? and about $5 for tax.So it would cost me at least $60.
So I called the service dept. and they want $68.95.For the little in price,I'm going to have the dealer do it.

That's a good price. If mine where only that much I'd have the dealer do it also but it's around $100 so I do it myself and save about $50.

My dealer quoted around $100 for an oil change and filter. They also include a conditioner, which from what I've read helps remove more of the old oil. Perhaps other dealers do this as well increasing the cost of routine oil maintenance?

I was going to change the oil on our new Cooper S at around 1000-1500 miles.

Hats off to you; very smart!
Remember, the dealer does not have to do it to keep you warranty.
You only need to keep your proof of receipts / mileage to show completeness of preventative maintenance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llanrhaeadr_Cymru

They also include a conditioner, which from what I've read helps remove more of the old oil. Perhaps other dealers do this as well increasing the cost of routine oil maintenance?

If you're using a quality synthetic oil, a "conditioner" is really more of a selling ploy to buy into a mere gimmick.

I complete my oil changes at home for less than $45; that's will an OEM filter and my preferred synthetic oil...
But I also change it more periodically than most (every 4K miles) due to my quick-lube work experience and seeing what can come out of a drain plug.

I was told MINI's are one of the hardest vehicles to get at the filter to change it. That's from Jiffy Lube service rep. Up to now, I've let the dealer do it but I think I need to change it more frequently now that we are up in miles (43K) My hands are not small.

I was told MINI's are one of the hardest vehicles to get at the filter to change it. That's from Jiffy Lube service rep. Up to now, I've let the dealer do it but I think I need to change it more frequently now that we are up in miles (43K) My hands are not small.

Is it really that hard to get at the filter and drain plug?

Jiffy Lube will never change my oil in any car that I own. Too many things can go wrong. The R56's coolant bottle is the tricky part as far as getting to the oil filter. It is easy to damage the coolant lines. It is best if you drain the oil warm, then let the oil drain until the coolant is cold enough to release the pressure in the coolant system. Then when you move the coolant bottle the lines are not under pressure. It takes a long time to do it that way but it cuts the risk of damaging the hoses.

I did mine yesterday. About $5 for a NAPA Gold filter and Mobil 1 was $3 off per case of 6 at Costco. Maybe $35 plus I got to look around under my new car. The canister was easy to get on and off (R52) and change went smoothly until I spilled some oil going back into the containers to recycle them. Easier and cheaper than my Dodge Cummins!

I'm with Bluefox and Amink. You guys who are paying $68-$140 at the dealerships are just throwing your money away. I am changing my own oil for around $35-37 and 20 minutes "quality time" with my Mini. Granted, I have an R53 and it's easier to change without damaging other hoses/coolant containers.

I've got 154k on my 03 MCS. I've changed my own oil since new. I do use BMW filters (at about $7 a pop a decade ago, now nearly $13 - WOW!!) and I always use Mobil 1 in 5W-30 weight. Initially there was some cost involved with getting a special socket to remove the filter cap, but over the years I've saved a substantial amount by doing the changes myself. Also make sure you get an electronic re-set tool for the oil life countdown.

I've got 154k on my 03 MCS. I've changed my own oil since new. I do use BMW filters (at about $7 a pop a decade ago, now nearly $13 - WOW!!) and I always use Mobil 1 in 5W-30 weight. Initially there was some cost involved with getting a special socket to remove the filter cap, but over the years I've saved a substantial amount by doing the changes myself. Also make sure you get an electronic re-set tool for the oil life countdown.